Water Stain on Your Ceiling? Here’s What You Should Know

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

Don't hesitate. If you see something, say something.

An unwanted yellow ring or streak of discolored substance is undoubtedly one of the worst
discoveries to make when glancing up at the ceiling in passing. The visible markings of a water
leak, these stains indicate water damage in your ceiling, which can not be expunged with a new
coat of paint or averting your eyes from the stain. Ignorance will only cause the problem to grow,
facilitating the growth of mold and mildew. Therefore, it is crucial that the damaged area of the
ceiling is quickly remedied. However, before taking action, it may be beneficial to understand
the common causes of ceiling water stains.
Common Causes
With a solid understanding of the common causes of these stains, the root of your ceiling’s stain
can be determined, which can help identify the best course of action to take. Ceiling water stains
are primarily formed from three scenarios: clogged gutters, caulking issues, and leaky pipes. If a
heavy rainstorm has recently occurred, clogged gutters may be the cause of your ceiling’s water
stain. When gutters overflow, rain water can seep into your home and stain ceilings. If the ceiling
stain appears soon after a shower or bath was taken in your home, the stain may be due to a
caulking issue. Old caulking is prone to cracking and deteriorating, which can lead to leaks when
water escapes a shower or bathtub. Finally, water can leak from pipes that run throughout your
home. If a dishwasher, bathtub, refrigerator, or even an air conditioner are situated directly above
the stain on the next floor up, your ceiling stain may have been caused by leaky pipes. Take a
moment to recall the last time someone took a shower or bath, last week’s heavy rainstorm, and
the last time you ran the dishwasher. Your leak may have been connected to one of those
situations. Taking Action vs Calling a Professional

Drilling into your ceiling in order to verify the source of the leak can be a daunting task for many
homeowners. If you have any hesitation, calling a professional may be the right call. With the
tools, knowledge, and experience, a professional can remediate the water stain quickly and
effectively.